Network Against Hate Crime

The
Network's Mission

Established in 1984 by the Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations,
the Network Against Hate Crime (The Network) brings together law enforcement
agencies, human relations organizations, educators, faith communities,
social service and advocacy groups and concerned individuals to coordinate
efforts to combat hate crime.

Network Activities

The Network meets quarterly to share information and resources, track
legislation and sponsor educational activities about preventing, investigating,
prosecuting and responding to hate activity. The Network also promotes
events that bring together diverse communities in public displays of
opposition to hate crime, such as candle-light vigils that were held
in memory of the victims of white supremacist shooting sprees in the
Midwest and in the North San Fernando Valley in 1999. Network members
have also participated in countywide community summits on hate crime.

The Reality of Hate Crime

As the overall rate of crime has declined, reports of hate crime in
Los Angeles County have grown. Although it is true that hate crime in
our region is fueled by rapidly changing demographics, perceived and
real competition for scarce resources, divisive public controversies
and racialized youth gang activity, the increase in the number of hate
crimes reported is due, in part, to a combination of factors at the
root of the work of the Network Against Hate Crime, including:

 Improved police training and standardized reporting systems
 Greater awareness on the part of victims as to how and why to
report hate crime
 Growth in collaboration and information sharing among police,
community group
 Governmental agencies that encourage greater reporting